I don't really know first hand, but I heard good things about the abilities of the bicycle officers here in Arlington, VA. I still don't think they have the right equipment to make for a comfortable day of riding, but on the other hand, most comfortable riding equipment isn't too effective off the bike (like for chasing someone on foot). I'm pretty sure they at least have straps on their pedals.

I do a group ride on Tuesdays with a local bike shop and we get a police escort every week through the first few lights from the shop b/c the shop maintains the Police bicycle fleet. It's pretty sick to be riding with a group of 40-100 riders through evening traffic on a Tuesday night. Most people are pretty confused as to what is going on.